YMCA Trout Lodge

Welcome to YMCA Trout Lodge!

We want every part of your experience with us—from booking to check-out—to be as smooth, clear, and memorable as possible.

This page serves as your comprehensive guide to our reservation and on-property policies. Please review this information as you plan your trip. If you have any questions, our team is always here to help.

To confirm your stay and streamline your experience, please review our payment policies.

  • Reservation Deposit: A $100 deposit is required for each reservation at the time of booking.
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance of your reservation is due upon your arrival at check-in.
  • Card on File: All reservations are required to have a valid credit or debit card on file for incidental charges.
  • On-Site Purchases: For your convenience, purchases made at our gift shop, along with fees for select activities and crafts, can be charged directly to your room. Your card on file will be used to settle any room charges on your day of checkout.

We understand that plans can change. Please review our cancellation policy timeline below, which is based on the date of your scheduled arrival.

  • 31+ Days Prior to Arrival: You will receive a full refund of your deposit.
  • 8-30 Days Prior to Arrival: Your deposit is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to a future reservation.
  • 7 or Fewer Days Prior to Arrival: Your deposit is forfeited and is non-refundable and non-transferable.

To make changes to your reservation, please contact our team at 573-438-2154.

Key information for a smooth start and end to your stay.

  • Check-In Hours: Check-in is available from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Arrival outside of these hours is not guaranteed. If you anticipate arriving later than 11:00 PM, please call us in advance at 573-438-2154 to coordinate.
  • Check-Out Time: Check-out is at 11:30 AM. A late departure fee of $25 per hour will be applied for any room occupied beyond this time.

To ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive experience for all our guests, we ask that you observe the following on-property policies.

Our Core Values

The YMCA is an inclusive, family-friendly organization. We expect all our guests to model our four core values—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—in their conduct and language at all times.

Quiet Hours

  • Quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily.
  • This policy applies to all indoor and outdoor areas of the Trout Lodge property, including guest rooms, cabins, patios, balconies, hallways, parking lots, and waterfront areas.
  • Unacceptable noise includes, but is not limited to, running in hallways, shouting, loud music, and any other activity deemed disruptive by management.
  • Enforcement: A multi-step process is in place to address violations. Financial penalties ($50) will be charged after a first warning, and continued non-compliance may result in local law enforcement being called to escort offending parties from the premises at your own expense.

Smoking, Vaping & Marijuana Policy

  • Smoking or vaping of any substance is strictly prohibited inside all buildings, including guest rooms, meeting rooms, and public areas. This ban also extends to all outdoor porches, decks, beaches, and trails.
  • YMCA Trout Lodge has a strict no-marijuana policy. The possession or use of marijuana is forbidden anywhere on YMCA property.

Alcohol Policy

  • Guests aged 21 and older may consume alcohol responsibly within their private rented spaces only (e.g., guest rooms, cabins, or private meeting rooms).
  • Alcohol is not permitted in any public or common space, indoor or out, including lobbies, hallways, beaches, and trails, unless it is for a pre-approved event.

Your safety and security are our highest priority. The following measures are in place to protect all members, program participants, and guests.

  • Guest Screening: For the safety of all our guests, particularly children, the YMCA of Greater St. Louis conducts a routine sex offender screening on all guests. If a match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel the reservation and remove the individual from our property.
  • Liability Waivers: Upon check-in, all adult guests are required to sign a liability waiver.
  • Guest Identification: All guests will be given an identifying wristband at check-in. This wristband must be worn at all times while on the property for identification and security purposes.
  • Right to Enforce Policies: The YMCA reserves the right to dismiss any individual from the property, without reimbursement, whose actions violate our policies or are not deemed to be in the best interest of our community. Additional charges will be applied for any property damage or excessive cleaning needs.

General Information & FAQs

Find answers to common questions about planning your visit, our amenities, and what to expect during your stay.

Planning Your Visit

We recommend packing personal toiletries (bar soap is provided), closed-toe shoes for activities like hiking and horseback riding, sunscreen, bug spray, a reusable water bottle, a beach towel, and appropriate swimwear and outdoor clothing for the season.

We are conveniently located just a 90-minute drive from St. Louis. Click here for directions!

Yes, AT&T and T-Mobile provide excellent coverage on-site. Service for Verizon is minimal.

We do not charge taxes. However, a 3% service fee is applied to all housing and meal bookings.

Lodging & Amenities

Yes, complimentary WiFi is available in all lodging types and main buildings. No password is required to connect.

Yes, all linens and bath towels are provided in every lodging style, including lodge rooms and cabins.

Lodge Rooms are located in the heart of our main building, offering convenient access to the dining hall and most activities. All lodge rooms include a lakeview balcony or patio and require a meal plan. 

Bluff View Cabins are located about a half-mile from the main lodge, offering a more private and secluded experience. They feature kitchenettes and provide the flexibility to opt out of the meal plan.

Activities & Dining

Many of our activities are available on a walk-up basis and do not require a sign-up. For our Premium Activities (like ziplining or horseback riding), you can register up to two weeks in advance or upon check-in, subject to availability.

We run our activities rain or shine! The only exception is for lightning storms. We recommend coming prepared for the weather. Many of our activity areas and patios are covered.

We offer a relaxed, lodge-style dining experience with beautiful views of Sunnen Lake. Our meals are served buffet-style, focusing on providing a variety of simple, hearty, and convenient options for the whole family.

The meal plan is comprehensive, covering all your meals throughout your stay. It begins with dinner on your arrival day and concludes with lunch on your departure day.

Yes. Our buffet is designed to include a variety of options for different dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. If you have a specific need, please speak with our kitchen staff, and they will be happy to assist you.

Yes! Every meal includes familiar, kid-friendly items to ensure even our pickiest eaters have something delicious to enjoy.

Accessibility

Yes, we offer a variety of accessible accommodations, including rooms with low-entry or zero-entry showers and additional grab bars. Many of our main pathways, docks, and pavilions are paved and wheelchair accessible. We also have adaptive equipment available for boating and many activities. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Group Bookings

To get started, please connect with our Group Sales team by filling out an inquiry form on our website here. We offer a variety of meeting spaces, customizable itineraries, and group discounts for housing, meals, and activities for groups of 40 or more.